Friday Feathered Friend
This week we introduce a new photographer, Roger Smith, to Friday Feathered Friend. He recently spotted a sooty tern in the Waikanae Estuary, where he is a regular photographer.
“I had taken a walk along the sandspit to have a look at the white-fronted tern flock there - not expecting to see any interesting birds - and I was stunned to see this lovely brown bird amongst them again...With the sun right behind me, I crawled very slowly holding my camera in front of my face until, after about 20 metres of inching over hot sand, I got within a few metres of it. It wasn't aware of my presence, so I just lay there and took over 100 shots before backing away.”
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.3% Yes
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32.8% Maybe?
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25.9% No
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
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